Which statement accurately describes the outcome when relative compaction exceeds the target value?

Which statement accurately describes the outcome when relative compaction exceeds the target value?

• A. The density is lower than required.
• B. The project requires less compaction.
• C. The density meets the design.
• D. The density exceeds the required design value.

Answer: (D)

Relative compaction is the field density expressed as a percentage of the laboratory maximum dry density. The target value is the minimum acceptable level. If the measured relative compaction is higher than the target, the soil in the field is denser than what the design requires, meaning compaction has exceeded the minimum specification. This indicates the material is well compacted beyond the design requirement, rather than being too loose or needing less work.

Relative compaction is the field density expressed as a percentage of the laboratory maximum dry density. The target value is the minimum acceptable level. If the measured relative compaction is higher than the target, the soil in the field is denser than what the design requires, meaning compaction has exceeded the minimum specification. This indicates the material is well compacted beyond the design requirement, rather than being too loose or needing less work.